Relationships are critical to building and growing a company, especially when it comes to finding good employees. In the early days of a company, leveraging your Network is generally an effective and inexpensive way to find employees. Really at any stage of development, your network can be a critical ally.

You want to find people who are trusted and good referrals. Usually your network can make those recommendations. Many times those making the introductions are similar to the candidates that they refer. If you like the demeanor, work ethic, and personality of the referrer, then chances are those who they recommend you will like as well. Of course, some referrals may be bad hires but that can happens even if you pay a recruiter to assist you.

Another great tool that can leverage your network is Linkedin. Spend time researching potential candidates on LinkedIn and then ask for introductions to those in your network who have first degree connections. In fact, many recruiters leverage LinkedIn to find good qualified candidates. The bigger your LinkedIn network, the more opportunity to find a wide variety of candidates. However, make sure that you know those who you connect with on LinkedIn vs. just trying to connect with everyone. If you ask for an introduction from someone who you barely know (or don't know at all), chances are that this person will not be helpful in connecting you to a potential candidate.

Focus on building a diverse network across genders, industries, skillsets, and geographies. The more diverse your network, the better chance that you will be able to leverage your relationships to find a variety of employees

Similar Posts:

Find a Co-Founder Through Your Network

Find a Business Partner Through Your Network

Build a Company Through Your Network

Find a Business Mentor Through Your Network

Find a Key Employee Through Your Network

Entrepreneurs Should Leverage Relationships to Raise Capital

Find a Business Partner Through Your Network